Editor's Review

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has given a directive to all vice chancellors.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed all vice-chancellors to admit all qualified first-year university students, regardless of their ability to pay household fees.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 21, Ogamba noted that students are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions even if they are unable to pay all the fees immediately.

"The Ministry of Education wishes to inform all students who have qualified for university admission that they are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions irrespective of their ability to immediately pay the household contribution. Vice-Chancellors of public universities have therefore been directed to admit all qualified students without exception," Ogamba stated.

The CS further directed the vice chancellors to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for the first year students.

"The Vice-Chancellors are required to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students with a guarantee that the necessary fees will be paid upon disbursement of the upkeep component. The Ministry is working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the requisite funds," Ogamba added.

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President William Ruto with Education CS Julius Ogamba.

He also asked students with queries or appeals regarding fees and funding to contact the Ministry teams at universities during admission or through the Higher Education portal, i.e., www.hef.co.ke.

Ogamba noted that the appeals will be processed within three weeks from the day of application, adding that the application has been extended until December 31, 2024.

At the same time, the CS said the Ministry welcomed recommendations from Parliament and other stakeholders on the new university funding model.

"For sustainable financing of higher education, we shall earnestly work together with all stakeholders to develop a legal and policy framework that consolidates the various bursary and scholarship schemes provided by different entities," Ogamba explained.

His remarks come after a section of parents and students from humble backgrounds complained about being placed in bands where they pay high fees under the new funding model.